The Lancers boys’ lacrosse team opens up the season March 28 in a non-conference game against the Branford Hornets at home.

Last season was a solid year for the Lancers, who appeared in the Class S title game but lost to Somers. The Lancers finished 19-3, including 8-0 in the ECC division, where they lost a close matchup as the No. 2 seed against East Lyme, 11-9, in the conference finals.

Led by their head coach and 2017 Class S Coach of the Year Chris Landry, the team has the same aspirations as last year: win state and ECC titles, even if the loss of the entire defense to graduation may prove to be a challenge.

When asked how to overcome its losses last year, Landry replied, “Very simple, in sports you sometimes learn more from a loss than a win. Our guys are motivated to play at the highest level.”

And if there is one thing the Lancers can count on, it’s Landry’s expectation that the team will demonstrate high lacrosse IQ, which helped them be so successful the year prior.

“We always miss our seniors, but that is what makes coaching sports so much fun, working with a new group of kids every year, looking for the next group of kids to contribute,” Landry said.

The Lancers are also experiencing a change in class, moving from Class S to Class M. The move will bring on unfamiliar opponents such as East Catholic, Notre Dame-West Haven and St. Joseph, all from different divisions (CCC, SCC, FCIAC).

Asked whether in retrospect the team could have done anything better in last year’s title game, Landry said “There was nothing we could have done differently... If we play Somers three to four times last year, we probably play them a little closer in the third and fourth games. We need to see more quality teams, and the ECC athletic directors allowed that to happen this year in their league-generated schedule.”

Landry said all ECC teams are scheduled to play one game against each other, providing the opportunity to play different teams.

“We are embracing the change and looking forward to competing against new competition and challenge for the ECC division and tournament titles,” Landry stated. When asked about the goals for the team this season, Landry replied “Compete at a high level. I expect a team-first attitude, along with discipline and mental toughness.”

The new class of athletes overhauls an entirely different defense, especially with the loss of starting goalkeeper Ortheas Mema. The return of first team all-league and second team all-state mid-defender Kevin Close helps the Lancers’ otherwise decimated defense.

“During the offseason, my main focus was getting stronger and improving my fundamentals (passing/shooting),” Close said. “Coming in as a freshman, I expected to play offense as I had throughout all of youth, but coach recognized the potential for a defensive player in me.”

The offense gains a junior attacker and transfer from Texas, Caleb Holdbridge, bolstering the offense.

“I feel that I can bring another weapon to an offense that has many already,” Holdbridge said.

Returning local lacrosse Player of the Year Logan Bowdish, a mid-attacker, adds another dimension to the team. Bowdish set league records of points (97) and goals (79) during the 2017 season, and he holds Waterford’s school record for career total points (187) and is looking to further cement that record this upcoming season.

“As a team, ball movement and control are key aspects that we need to improve upon,” said Bowdish. “Coach Landry runs a tight ship. He has taught me to be disciplined on and off the field, practice hard, and come ready to play.”

It’s surely going to be fun to watch the Lancers compete at a high level with a new group of guys this coming season. Leaders such as Close and Bowdish and new talent such as Holdbridge surely will bring excitement to the field and fill the stands on gamedays.

k.norton@theday.com